On September 9, 2020, the Muhammad Ali Center hosted their second conversation in the ‘I Am America’ series ‘Healthy at Home? Healthy at Work?: Viewing the COVID19 Crisis Through a Racial Justice Lens’. In this discussion, we explored the racial disparities we see in our community’s health outcomes—both historically and currently—as we continue to battle this pandemic, specifically the disproportionate impact on front-line workers and Black Americans.
  • Dr. Brandy Kelly Pryor, Humana Foundation
  • T Gonzales, Director of the Center for Health Equity
  • Trinidad Jackson- Ph.D. Candidate in the University of Louisville School of Public Health
  • Dr. Daryl Williams, DPT – Clinic Director for ProRehab Physical Therapy’s Highland Branch
  • Moderated by Dr. Steven Kniffley Jr., Associate Director for the Spalding University Center for Behavioral Health

“I AM AMERICA”

Racial Justice Programming Series

For 15 years the Muhammad Ali Center has proudly carried forth the legacy of one of the greatest men to ever walk the Earth, Muhammad Ali. While the moniker, GOAT, or the “Greatest of All Time,” is applied to Ali’s in-ring prowess, history anoints him as such for the sacrifices he made outside of the ring in his pursuit of social justice. Known as the “Louisville Lip” for his brash taunts to boxing opponents, this nickname also came to symbolize Muhammad’s unwavering commitment to using his voice to speak out on the injustices he experienced as a Black, Muslim man in America.

As our country once again experiences the heartache and pain with the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and too many others, the Muhammad Ali Center unequivocally proclaims that #BlackLivesMatter. We stand in solidarity with those who understand that racism is not a past-tense problem, but is both systemic and institutional, and will not be erased without intentional and concerted effort and action.

To honor this commitment, the Muhammad Ali Center is proud to introduce a programmatic series of bold, courageous and provocative conversations to explore the most pressing racial justice challenges of the day.  Named after Muhammad Ali’s famous quote, “I Am America. I am the part you won’t recognize,” this unique program will offer critical analysis of the history and intersectionality of social justice issues, while offering action steps for those wanting to create positive social change.

During the continued Covid19 crisis, these sessions will be conducted virtually to support the health and safety of our community. This program will take place every other Wednesday, but the recorded sessions will be available through the Ali Center’s website after each event.